Partner sought for modular ballistic and multi-threat protection system for critical infrastructure

Łukasiewicz – Warsaw Institute of Technology (Ł-WIT), a Polish research institute, is developing an innovative modular ballistic protection system intended for critical infrastructure, public buildings, shelters, defence facilities and other dual-use applications. The concept combines proprietary high-performance magnesium-based MgO boards developed by Ł-WIT, ceramic ballistic granulate and a dedicated steel supporting structure. The system is designed as a rapidly assembled and demountable alternative to conventional reinforced-concrete or heavy steel ballistic barriers. Its modular architecture enables adaptation to existing buildings, protection of walls, windows and doors, construction of safe rooms and temporary protective zones, as well as deployment in locations where permanent heavy construction is technically or economically unjustified. The technology builds on extensive previous testing of ceramic-granulate protection systems. Ballistic tests performed in Poland demonstrated resistance according to STANAG 4569 Level 2 under a multi-hit test with 7.62 × 39 API BZ ammunition, with no complete penetration after 22 valid hits. Additional tests with 7.62 × 51 AP ammunition with tungsten-carbide core and 7.62 × 54R B32 ammunition also showed no penetration after repeated impacts. Earlier generations of ceramic-filled protection systems have also been tested for higher ballistic protection levels. The project aims to integrate this ballistic capability with Ł-WIT magnesium boards providing substantially improved fire resistance, dimensional stability and durability compared with conventional plywood-based constructions. The final product is intended to become a multifunctional protective barrier offering ballistic protection combined with fire protection and the possibility of further integration of acoustic, radiation-shielding and structural-monitoring functions. We are looking for a research or industrial partner interested in joint development, optimisation, testing, demonstration and future commercialisation of the system. Particularly valuable competences include ballistic protection, defence engineering, ceramic materials, armour systems, blast and fragment protection, critical-infrastructure protection, civil defence, modular construction, steel structures, fire safety, testing and certification. The partner may contribute to material optimisation, numerical modelling, ballistic and blast testing, full-scale demonstrators, certification, industrialisation or preparation of pilot installations. Ł-WIT can contribute materials science expertise, development and production of MgO boards, prototype manufacturing, structural design, laboratory facilities and integration of the complete barrier system. We are interested in cooperation with universities, research institutes, defence-sector companies, manufacturers of protective systems and organisations operating critical infrastructure. The objective is to create a European modular protection technology offering a significantly lower level of structural intervention, faster installation and greater functional flexibility than conventional reinforced-concrete barriers.