It is important for us to know that our military is sound and that our soldiers are safe. They are driving vehicles everyday, flying planes and helicopters and dealing with weapons of every kind. You might not know it but ceramics in the military are an important aspect of keeping the vehicles and weapons up to speed.
Ceramics in the Military for Protection
Because we are fighting a war in an area that is very dry and hot it is important that our soldiers wear equipment that his lightweight but protective. It is also important that the equipment and vehicles are able to withstand high heat. This could not happen with plastic or metal parts because they would melt or get too hot to handle. This is where ceramic parts begin. Soldiers in Iraq and other areas surrounding Iraq have ceramic body armor because it is lightweight, durable, and can withstand extremely high temperatures. This can protect them with small to medium handguns or other weapons that may come their way. This armor is also made up of multi-hit body armor plates that are made out of boron and silicon carbide which makes it easy to wear without the weight that other materials would bring. You will also find the body armor in shoulder pads and the military is working on ceramic body armor for other areas of the body that are most vulnerable.
Another way that soldiers are protected with ceramics is in the military helicopters. They are equipped with ceramic armor seats and armor tiles in the wings of some aircraft. Also they are working on ceramic parts for some of the armored vehicles.
In the future, the military hopes to add ceramic parts to the turbine engines in their helicopters so that they will last longer and be able to carry heavier loads. Generally speaking they will use composites that and thermal barrier coatings that will be able to handle the high temperatures. Because the helicopters will be lighter in weight, they will be able to cover longer distances as well.