A defense structure and methods of use for penetrating the defense structure with a projectile from a first side and preventing a projectile from penetrating the defense structure from a second side. The defense structure comprising a plurality of wedges arranged to rotate and abut each other using a tensioning member, such as a spring. Ballistic and resilient members are provided on a rear surface of the plurality of wedges to prevent a projectile from penetrating the defense structure through deflection and/or adsorption of the projectile. A gap is formed between at least two of the plurality of wedges when a projectile is urged between the plurality of wedges from the first side. The tensioning member urges the plurality of wedges to rotate and abut each other after the projectile passes through the gap. The defense structure may be partially concealed within a structural element.

A modular armor system configured to be readily attached and detached from a frame surrounding a window in a vehicle or other structure, such as a building. The modular armor system may be configured to provide any desired ballistics protection rating. In one embodiment, the modular armor system includes a ballistics-grade armor panel having an outer strike face and an inner surface opposite the outer strike face. The modular armor system also includes a fastener coupled to the ballistics-grade armor panel. The fastener is configured to detachably couple the ballistics-grade armor panel to the frame surrounding the window in the vehicle or other structure.

There is a ballistic shield and a method of manufacture thereof, including a first ballistic shield plate having a first double-layered UV protective film bonded to a first side and forming an exterior surface thereof. The ballistic shield also includes a second ballistic shield plate having a first side, wherein the first side is fastened to the first side of the first ballistic shield plate. The second ballistic shield plate includes a second double-layered UV protective film, bonded to a first side thereof and forming an exterior surface thereof. The ballistic shield further includes a mechanical fastener fastening the first ballistic shield plate to the second ballistic shield plate such that the first double-layered UV protective film is fixedly coupled against the second double-layered UV protective film without requiring bonding therebetween.

Multi-layered protective glass systems which utilize dissimilar materials combined to form a thin armored composite configuration are disclosed. Aspects of embodiments of the present invention contemplate the use of various materials, configurations of layers and interlayer thicknesses each of which is consistent or needed for use in different applications such as automobiles, buildings, etc.

Unidirectional transparent projectile penetration resistant panels and bidirectional opaque projectile penetration resistant assemblies and systems and methods of forming and mounting the same relative to underlying support structures.

Unidirectional transparent projectile penetration resistant panel assemblies and bidirectional opaque projectile penetration resistant assemblies and systems and methods of forming and mounting the same relative to underlying support structures.

A low infrared absorbing lithium glass includes FeO in the range of 0.0005-0.015 wt %, more preferably 0.001-0.010 wt %, and a redox ratio in the range of 0.005-0.15, more preferably in the range of 0.005-010. The glass can be chemically tempered and used to provide a ballistic viewing cover for night vision goggles or scope. A method is provided to change a glass making process from making a high infrared absorbing lithium glass having FeO in the range of 0.02 to 0.04 wt % and a redox ratio in the range of 0.2 to 0.4 to the low infrared absorbing lithium glass by adding additional oxidizers to the batch materials. A second method is provided to change a glass making process from making a low infrared absorbing lithium glass to the high infrared absorbing lithium glass by adding additional reducers to the batch material. In one embodiment of the invention the oxidizer is CeO.sub.2. An embodiment of the invention covers a glass made according to the method.

A defense structure and methods of use for penetrating the defense structure with a projectile from a first side and preventing a projectile from penetrating the defense structure from a second side. The defense structure comprising a plurality of wedges arranged to rotate and abut each other using a tensioning member, such as a spring. Ballistic and resilient members are provided on a rear surface of the plurality of wedges to prevent a projectile from penetrating the defense structure through deflection and/or adsorption of the projectile. A gap is formed between at least two of the plurality of wedges when a projectile is urged between the plurality of wedges from the first side. The tensioning member urges the plurality of wedges to rotate and abut each other after the projectile passes through the gap. The defense structure may be partially concealed within a structural element.

A low infrared absorbing lithium glass includes FeO in the range of 0.0005-0.015 wt %, more preferably 0.001-0.010 wt %, and a redox ratio in the range of 0.005-0.15, more preferably in the range of 0.005-010. The glass can be chemically tempered and used to provide a ballistic viewing cover for night vision goggles or scope. A method is provided to change a glass making process from making a high infrared absorbing lithium glass having FeO in the range of 0.02 to 0.04 wt % and a redox ratio in the range of 0.2 to 0.4 to the low infrared absorbing lithium glass by adding additional oxidizers to the batch materials. A second method is provided to change a glass making process from making a low infrared absorbing lithium glass to the high infrared absorbing lithium glass by adding additional reducers to the batch material. In one embodiment of the invention the oxidizer is CeO.sub.2. An embodiment of the invention covers a glass made according to the method.

A modular armor system configured to be readily attached and detached from a frame surrounding a window in a vehicle or other structure, such as a building. The modular armor system may be configured to provide any desired ballistics protection rating. In one embodiment, the modular armor system includes a ballistics-grade armor panel having an outer strike face and an inner surface opposite the outer strike face. The modular armor system also includes a fastener coupled to the ballistics-grade armor panel. The fastener is configured to detachably couple the ballistics-grade armor panel to the frame surrounding the window in the vehicle or other structure.